RALEIGH — As part of ongoing road improvements throughout the state, NC 561 in Hertford County will see improvements.

Gov. Bev Perdue announced that improvements to a 10.2 mile stretch of NC 561 was among 21 contracts totaling $50.8 million that were awarded for highway and bridge projects across North Carolina, including eight projects funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The contracts were awarded by the N.C. Department of Transportation to the lowest respective bidder, as required by state law.

The recovery project awarded in Hertford County includes widening and resurfacing 10.2 miles of N.C. 561 from the Northampton County line to N.C. 11 near Ahoskie. The $1.8 million contract was awarded to Rose Brothers Paving Company Inc. of Ahoskie. Work can begin as early as Sept. 28, with final completion set for June 30, 2011.

“These projects are putting people to work while also making needed improvements to our transportation system,” Perdue said.

According to the Federal Highway Administration, every $1 million spent on transportation creates 30 jobs, and according to the construction industry, every dollar invested in transportation generates $6 in economic impact.

“Every project dollar we spend on these important road projects helps create jobs,” said District 5 North Carolina Representative Annie Mobley of Ahoskie. “There are few things as important right now than getting people to work and I’m glad we can bring some of those jobs to a company right here.”

The Hertford County project was selected for economic recovery funding because this section of N.C. 561 is a narrow, two-lane road often used by large trucks. Widening the highway 1.5 feet on each side of the road will better accommodate the truck traffic while improving safety for all motorists. Additionally, the resurfacing of more than 10 miles of the highway will improve the ride quality for drivers and help the road last longer.

NCDOT had identified this project as a transportation need in Hertford County, but due to budget constraints, the department could not afford to pay for the work using traditional revenue sources. Federal recovery funding provided the money needed to move ahead with this important project.

For more information about funding for infrastructure improvements in North Carolina, as well as other NCDOT projects and activities, visit www.ncdot.gov.